Fascinating Festivals to Experience in Dubai (Part-II)

One of the many reasons Dubai remains frequented by holidaymakers is it’s wide range of festivals. Though the city is a wonderful tourist destination all through the year, the festivities bring a completely different charm to it. We, thus, extended our list of the most fascinating festivals to experience in Dubai.

Dubai International Film Festival

Celebrated in November – December, the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) is immensely popular all over the world. It encourages art-house and independent cinema to receive a better recognition from the people. Special celebrity guests like Morgan Freeman and George Clooney are invited, attracting audiences in large numbers from across the globe.

Started in 2004, the DIFF presents fresh and exciting cinema each year as well as introduces new talent and innovative filmmaking to audiences. The twelfth edition of the festival is set to take place in 2015 from 9th – 16th December. So if you’re planning a tour around this time, be sure to experience this festive bonanza.

Dubai International Jazz Festival

This annual festival is held in February – March at Dubai Media City and offers an engaging line up of world-class local and international Jazz artists in a warm, friendly atmosphere. The more recent line ups have included the likes of Toto, Jamie Callum, Stanley Jordan and Robin Gibb. Here, you get to witness people of all ages and cultures, a distinctive mix of art, sound and fun, all packed in one enchanting venue.

If you’re passionate about music, Jazz in particular, then the Dubai International Jazz Festival is where you want to be at. Don’t forget to bring your cameras along to capture the dazzling live performances.

Eid Al Adha

Also known as the ‘Feast of Sacrifice’, this religious festival is celebrated on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah. Lasting for four days, the celebrations involve the sacrifice of a ram, camel, cow, etc. in order to please the god. Muslims in Dubai offer prayers at the mosques and share their money and food with the poor.

From stage shows and fireworks to music and dancing, the city hosts plenty of entertaining events as part of this grand festivity. If Eid Al Adha happens to be around the corner while you’re in Dubai, make sure you spare yourself enough time to experience the Dubai Music Week and the spectacular fireworks at the Jumeirah Beach Residence.

Ramadan

Celebrating the revelation of the Holy Quran, Ramadan is the sacred month in the Islamic calendar in which Muslims are obliged to fast from dawn till dusk. While the locals abstain from food and drinks, you too would be required by law to abstain from any consumables in public. A range of events take place in Dubai during this time to add a flavor of excitement to this festive season.

Among the must-visits is the Ramadan Night Market, a famous marketplace where both locals and tourists flock to shop for Eid gifts, sweets, handicrafts, jewelry and perfume. You can treat yourself to the beautiful henna paintings while the many entertainers roaming around the streets keep your kids occupied.

If you’re planning on visiting Dubai soon, try to prepare your itinerary in such a way that you get to experience at least one of these fascinating festivals, if not all. The fireworks, music, food, entertainment, excitement and exhilaration, all eagerly await your arrival in Dubai.